Add these Italian gems to your travel bucket list
Pristine blue waters, sandy beaches and countless hidden coves. But also charming fishing villages, lush vegetation and delicious local foods. Italian islands are as idyllic as it gets, and make for a pretty dreamy escape.
Don’t just take our word for it: Ischia, home to our beloved Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, was just named the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure – glaring proof that, whether big or small, our off-the-coast gems truly are quite special.
With over 400 across the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Adriatic seas (including Sardinia and Sicily), choosing which one to go to might prove tricky. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of our personal favourites for different kinds of vacations.
From off-the-grid to jet-setting, here’s your ultimate guide to Italy’s best islands.
The Campanian Archipelago
Think of this as the archipelago that has it all. Scattered across the Gulf of Naples, the islands of the Campanian Archipelago include Capri, Ischia and Procida – three slices of paradise that couldn’t feel more different from each other, yet perfectly encapsulate the essence of La Dolce Vita.
You’ve of course heard of Capri, Italy’s big-hitting destination favoured by the international jet-set. But it’s Ischia, the archipelago’s largest island and one of Italy’s greenest, that we (and many others around the world, it seems) have a soft spot for. Of volcanic origins, Ischia spans natural thermal waters and wild forests, quaint little sea towns and miles-long beaches, but also striking historical sights (hello, Aragonese Castle) and a lively, joyful atmosphere. There’s something for every kind of traveller, and a sense of unspoiled beauty and carefree living that’s hard to come by these days.
Procida, its smaller sibling, is another great little place to visit – and not just because it’s Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022. Come here for its picturesque marina, Il Postino beach (set of the beloved Italian film by the same name), and a slower pace of life.
The Aeolian Islands
Just off the north-eastern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are some of Italy’s most beautiful natural treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Formed by volcanic eruptions, they include seven islands – Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi – each one different from the other in terms of character and attractions. Lipari is the largest and liveliest, with a rich geological heritage; while Vulcano and Stromboli have active volcanoes, and are perfect for adventurous travellers looking to hike, dive, and try therapeutic mud baths. Panarea is chic and exclusive, Salina super green and incredibly pretty (not to mention known for its sweet Malvasia dessert wine); and Filicudi and Alicudi untouched and remote.
The Tuscan Archipelago
Did you know Tuscany has islands? The Tuscan Archipelago sits just off the side of Tuscan coast that goes from Livorno to the Argentario promontory (we actually visit quite often, thanks to its proximity to Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole) and spans seven islands: Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo and Gorgona.
Among them Elba is the most famous – Napoleon was exiled here in 1814 – and a popular spot among Italian beachgoers, who love its mix of pebbled and sandy beaches, trekking routes, picturesque old towns and impossibly blue sea. The island is also the largest protected marine park in Europe, which tells you just how impossibly beautiful its waters are.
Want more of a wild island experience? Then Giglio is your place, with stunning seaside cliffs, lush nature (vegetation covers some 90 percent of the island!) and caves only reachable on foot or by boat.
Shaped like a half moon Giannutri, nine miles south of Giglio, is another lush corner of paradise and one of Italy’s best diving and snorkelling spots, thanks to its clear waters and protected seafloor, which boasts corals, canyons of sea sponges, and meadows of seagrass. Roman- and Etruscan-era shipwrecks add to the marine landscape, while back on land, you’ll see the remains of ancient Roman villas.